Bob Miller’s 2023 NFL Mock Draft

By Bob Miller (@DynastyBobFF)

April 27th isn’t far away as we all wait in anticipation of what’s to come in this year’s NFL Draft. There wasn’t a dull moment last year as the 1st round included an incredible amount of trades. Nine trades to be exact. The two big questions are: Which quarterback goes 1st overall, and where does Bijan Robinson land?

I’m here to give you my predictions of picks and trades I see happening in this year’s first round. Let’s just hope that this year’s first round is as action packed as last year’s.

1) Carolina Panthers (From CHI): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

Bryce Young and CJ Stroud have been the big debate over the last 2 months. Stroud had been the favorite for quite a while due to his size and physical frame, however the upside of Bryce Young wins in the end. Even though he’s only 5’10, Young has the potential to be a superstar. His pinpoint accuracy and playmaking ability can’t be ignored. Carolina gets their man.

2) Houston Texans: CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State

There are rumors of Houston passing on QB with the 2nd pick, maybe even trading the pick. I'm not buying it. They WILL take a quarterback. With that being said, either way the first pick turns out, Houston can’t lose. Stroud is the most “NFL-Ready” quarterback in this class, and should start for Houston day 1. His size and physical frame is perfect for the pro game, and his arm talent is elite. There’s not an NFL throw he can’t make. If the Texans surround Stroud with good weapons, he could be considered a top-tier fantasy QB for the next 10 years.

3) Tennessee Titans (Trade with ARI): Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

We have our first trade of the evening! Arizona is sitting on a gold mine here, and they cash in by making a deal with the Tennessee Titans. The Titans are desperate to find their franchise quarterback, so they move up substantially and take Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson. We all know the hype Richardson received at the rookie combine, so there’s no need to doubt his athleticism. Tennessee grabs their guy and lets him sit a year and develop.

4) Indianapolis Colts: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

History is made with Indianapolis taking Will Levis, as it's the first time in NFL Draft history that QBs go 1-2-3-4. After playing musical chairs at quarterback for the last 4 years, the Colts finally get their guy in Will Levis. The Colts have been vocal about how they like Levis over Richardson. I’d say it’s because Levis can start immediately. Levis didn’t have the best 2022 due to injuries and losing a lot of talent around him. The Colts are aware of this, and make the pick.

5) Seattle Seahawks: Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech

With our second shocker of the evening I have the Seattle Seahawks taking Tyree Wilson over Will Anderson Jr. I imagine that Seattle will be shopping this pick around in hopes that someone jumps up to take Anderson. In the end I see the Seahawks making the pick due to no one meeting their price. Seattle takes Tyree Wilson due to his all-around Edge presence. Not only can he get to the quarterback, he is a tackle-for-loss machine.

6) Detroit Lions: Will Anderson Jr, EDGE, Alabama

The Detroit Lions had to be set on taking a cornerback here after trading away Jeff Okudah. However, with Will Anderson still on the board, they can’t pass on taking the elite pass-rusher. The thought of lining him up opposite Aidan Hutchison is just too enticing to pass. Detroit has several more picks to address cornerback later on.

7) Las Vegas Raiders: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

The Raiders shop this pick, but no one pays their asking price. After Detroit passed on a corner and selected Will Anderson Jr, the Raiders take the top rated corner in the draft. They like Jalen Carter however, they may not think it’s a good idea to have that kind of off-the-field concern in Las Vegas. They go with the safe pick and select their franchise cornerback.

8) Atlanta Falcons: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia

This is an interesting scenario. A Georgia player staying in Georgia. Even though Carter hasn’t visited with the Falcons yet, they can’t pass on the value here. He was regarded as the top overall player in this draft however, off-the-field concerns have caused his stock to fall somewhat. Atlanta gets their defensive stud now, and are serious players for Caleb Williams, the potential #1 pick next season.

9) Chicago Bears (From CAR): Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State

This is the first place I considered Bijan Robinson, but Chicago needs to protect their franchise quarterback. What better way than drafting his former Ohio State teammate Paris Johnson Jr to protect his blind side. Johnson is a top tier pass protector and will be a stable in Chicago’s offensive line for years to come.

10) Philadelphia Eagles (From NO): Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson

Here’s another spot people like to put Bijan Robinson. Not me. It wouldn’t surprise me, but I think Philly takes a long look at Jahmyr Gibbs in the 2nd round. I have them taking one of the top pass rushers here. Their offense will be fine after addressing RB later in the draft. Running back is fairly deep this year. Instead Philadelphia keeps that defense as dangerous as ever with the selection of Myles Murphy.

11) Arizona Cardinals (Trade from TEN): Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

Arizona has needs at CB, EDGE, OL, and WR. With the top Edge rushers gone, Arizona addresses a major need by drafting cornerback Christian Gonzalez. He has all the tools to be a No. 1 cornerback in this league. Arizona gets to cross cornerback off their list, and address another need with their next pick.

12) Houston Texans: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

This just makes too much sense. Give your new franchise quarterback his favorite weapon in Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Houston fills a major void left by the departed Brandin Cooks, and have a deadly combo for years to come. This is a match made in heaven.

13) Green Bay Packers (Trade from NYJ): Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa

Lots of projections have Green Bay addressing tight end with this pick, not me. Green Bay doesn’t take pass catchers in the first round. Haven’t we learned this by now? Tight end is a need, but they could address that with the extra second round pick they acquired from the Jets for Aaron Rodgers. Here, they address a need for a pass-rusher, and Lukas Van Ness just seems like a Packer to me.

14) Pittsburgh Steelers (Trade with NE): Joey Porter Jr, CB, Penn State

We have another trade! Pittsburgh needs a corner, Joey Porter Jr’s father is an all-time great Steeler. The only problem is that the Washington Commanders have a major need at CB as well. Pittsburgh leapfrogs Washington to get their guy.

15) New York Jets: Peter Skoronski, OT/G, Northwestern

The Jets are in pretty good shape at the offensive skill positions, but their offensive line could use help. Mekhi Becton hasn’t been very durable, and Alijah Vera-Tucker missed 10 games last season. They need someone now that can protect newly aqcuired Aaron Rodgers. This gives them depth and their potential left tackle for the next several years.

16) Washington Commanders: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland

After Pittsburgh jumped in front of Washington to grab Porter, Washington takes the next cornerback on their list. However, Deonte Banks is no consolation prize, he is legit. He ran a 4.35 40-yard dash at the combine and showed off a 42-inch vertical jump, which was the best among the cornerbacks in Indianapolis. He is excellent in man coverage, using his speed to turn and run with receivers.

17) New England Patriots (Trade from PIT): Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

Here’s another pick that makes too much sense. New England’s offense is pretty lack-luster, and they need a spark. The jury is still out on quarterback Mac Jones, but they need to keep their offense supplied with talent. Zay Flowers is an electric receiver, and it fills the void leftover from Jakobi Meyers. There is a possibility that the Patriots could load up with a few WRs before this draft has completed.

18) Detroit Lions: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

This is another potential landing spot for Bijan Robinson, but it’s not happening in this mock. Detroit has their two RBs in D’Andre Swift and David Montgomery. Tight end is a major need for them after trading away TJ Hockenson, and so they grab the best pass-catching TE in this class. Kincaid can step in right away and give Detroit another legitimate weapon for defenses to worry about.

19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

I could see safety Brian Branch going here, but Nolan Smith has too much talent to pass up. Smith is incredibly athletic and has a ton of upside. He was very impressive at the combine for his athletic ability and his ability to be a leader on the field. Slam dunk here.

20) Seattle Seahawks: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

After Seattle fails to trade up to pick 14 with New England, they still get their target in quarterback Hendon Hooker. The former Tennessee Volunteer led the FBS in Total QBR (89.5) and yards per attempt (9.5) last season, and threw just five picks over the last two seasons at Tennessee. His arm and accuracy on deep throws is elite. Of course the knock on him is his age (25), but Seattle gets him for up to 5 years after taking him here in the first round. With Geno Smith’s deal essentially being more of a 1 year deal, Hooker can sit, get healthy, and learn the offense in Seattle.

21) Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Addison, WR, USC

The Chargers are jumping for joy with the selection of wide receiver Jordan Addison. He fills a need now with the durability issues of Mike Williams. He also fills a need once the Chargers move on from the aging Keenan Allen. If you have all three WRs on the field, watch out. Justin Herbert is licking his chops after this pick. Big time player that fills a big time need. Addison doesn't go very far as he stays in Southern Cal.

22) Dallas Cowboys (Trade with BAL): Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

We have our third trade of the night! The Baltimore Ravens trade back 4 spots and collect more picks. In the meantime, Dallas gets to jump in front of the Minnesota Vikings to select super-stud running back Bijan Robinson. Dallas loves to make a splash, and what better way to do it. With Tony Pollard only under contract for one year, this makes a ton of sense. With Minnesota rumored to trade or cut Dalvin Cook, it was necessary for Dallas to make the trade to move up. This is a home run for the Cowboys.

23) Minnesota Vikings: Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson

After Minnesota loses out on taking Bijan, they consider trading back. Not finding the deal they want they select defensive lineman Bryan Bresee. The Vikings have a need for an interior defensive lineman who can apply pressure to the opposing quarterback. Bresee would provide just that. At 6-5, 298 pounds, he tested extremely well at the combine. He's powerful and has great instinct.

24) Jacksonville Jaguars: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee

Jacksonville can go a few different directions here depending on who’s available. One of their bigger needs is right tackle. Darnell Wright is the best right tackle in this class. This is an easy decision for the up-and-coming Jaguars.

25) New York Giants: O’Cyrus Torrence, OL, Florida

The Giants could go wide receiver here however, they have more of a need for interior offensive lineman. O’Cyrus Torrence is a monster that plows defenders in the run game and pancakes them in the passing game. He was highly successful at Florida and Louisiana where he only allowed one sack last season. He has experience at both left and right guard. He will be an immediate starter in New York.

26) Philadelphia Eagles (Trade with BAL): Brian Branch, S, Alabama

Looky at what we have here.. another trade. This time the Baltimore Ravens trade back again a few spots to accumulate yet more picks. The Eagles have a major need at safety after losing both of theirs via free agency. There’s two other teams that need a safety as well, Buffalo and Cincinnati. With that being said Baltimore and Philadelphia work out a deal to allow the Eagles to jump in front of both Buffalo and Cinci. A win-win for both the Eagles and Ravens.

27) Buffalo Bills: Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas

After losing linebacker Tremaine Edmunds the Buffalo Bills find his replacement in Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders. Sanders was a transfer from Alabama that found his niche with the Razorbacks. He was an absolute menace for opposing teams. Sanders is highly versatile and should be used in ways similar to that of Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons. Learning from Edge-rusher Von Miller doesn’t hurt either. With a defensive playmaker being a need, this pick makes too much sense.

28) Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame

The signing of Irv Smith Jr. has no effect on the decision to go Michael Mayer here. Irv Smith can’t stay healthy, and Mayer is the best all-around TE in this class. This adds yet another weapon for Joe Burrow. The Bengals don’t have many weaknesses, but they address a need with one heck of a player in Mayer. Defenses beware.

29) New Orleans Saints (Via DEN/MIA/SF): Calijah Kancey, DL, Pitt

The Saints really need to find an edge-rusher to replace the departed Marcus Davenport, but Kancey is too good to pass up here. He is an explosive force inside and will wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. After adding a couple of defensive tackles this off-season, this will still prove to be the smart move for New Orleans.

30) Baltimore Ravens (Trade from PHI): Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

Ladies and gentleman, the Ravens are finally make a pick. After considering another trade back, they decide to take wide receiver Quentin Johnston to bolster the offense for Lamar Jackson. There’s no mistake that the Ravens need all the receiving threats they can get. With Odell Beckham Jr. likely being a 1-2 year player, it makes sense to add more weapons to the Ravens arsenal. With new offensive coordinator Todd Monken calling the plays, Rashod Bateman, Quentin Johnston, and Mark Andrews could be an absolute nightmare for opposing defenses for years to come. Baltimore gets more picks and still gets their guy. Well done.

31) Kansas City Chiefs: Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State

The Chiefs were really hoping that right tackle Darnell Wright would slip to them, but no luck. In this situation they are extremely tempted to take either wide receiver Jalin Hyatt or edge-rusher Keion White, but the need to protect superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes wins in the end. Dawand Jones is a solid run blocker and pass blocker as well. He would be an upgrade to that Kansas City offensive line. It’s not a sexy pick by any means, but a smart pick.